Antenna alignment configuration

ABSTRACT

An antenna that has an alignment configuration for aligning the antenna with a satellite. In one embodiment, the antenna includes an antenna reflector that has a centerline and a front surface and a rear surface. A reference plane is defined on the rear surface that is perpendicular to the centerline of the reflector. The reference plane is used in connection with alignment devices for orienting the antenna reflector in desired azimuth, elevation, and skew orientations.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The subject invention relates to antennas and alignment devicestherefor.

2. Description of the Invention Background

The advent of the television can be traced as far back to the end of thenineteenth century and beginning of the twentieth century. However, itwasn't until 1923 and 1924, when Vladimir Kosma Zworkykin invented theiconoscope, a device that permitted pictures to be electronically brokendown into hundreds of thousands of components for transmission, and thekinescope, a television signal receiver, did the concept of televisionbecome a reality. Zworkykin continued to improve those early inventionsand television was reportedly first showcased to the world at the 1939World's Fair in New York, where regular broadcasting began.

Over the years, many improvements to televisions and devices and methodsfor transmitting and receiving television signals have been made. In theearly days of television, signals were transmitted via terrestrial radionetworks and received through the use of antennas. Signal strength andquality, however, were often dependent upon the geography of the landbetween the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna. Althoughsuch transmission methods are still in use today, the use of satellitesto transmit television signals is becoming more prevalent. Becausesatellite transmitted signals are not hampered by hills, trees,mountains, etc., such signals typically offer the viewer more viewingoptions and improved picture quality. Thus, many companies have foundoffering satellite television services to be very profitable and,therefore, it is anticipated that more and more satellites will beplaced in orbit in the years to come. As additional satellites areadded, more precise antenna/satellite alignment methods and apparatuseswill be required.

Modern digital satellite communication systems typically employ aground-based transmitter that beams an uplink signal to a satellitepositioned in geosynchronous orbit. The satellite relays the signal backto ground-based receivers. Such systems permit the household or businesssubscribing to the system to receive audio, data and video signalsdirectly from the satellite by means of a relatively small directionalreceiver antenna. Such antennas are commonly affixed to the roof or wallof the subscriber's residence or are mounted to a tree or mast locatedin the subscriber's yard. A typical antenna constructed to receivedsatellite signals comprises a dish-shaped reflector that has a supportarm protruding outward from the front surface of the reflector. Thesupport arm supports a low noise block amplifier with an integrated feed“LNBF”. The reflector collects and focuses the satellite signal onto theLNBF which is connected, via cable, to the subscriber's television.

To obtain an optimum signal, the antenna must be installed such that thecenterline axis of the reflector, also known as the “bore site” or“pointing axis”, is accurately aligned with the satellite. To align anantenna with a particular satellite, the installer must be provided withaccurate positioning information for that particular satellite. Forexample, the installer must know the proper azimuth and elevationsettings for the antenna. The azimuth setting is the compass directionthat the antenna should be pointed relative to magnetic north. Theelevation setting is the angle between the Earth and the satellite abovethe horizon. Many companies provide installers with alignmentinformation that is specific to the geographical area in which theantenna is to be installed. Also, as the satellite orbits the earth, itmay be so oriented such that it sends a signal that is somewhat skewed.To obtain an optimum signal, the antenna must also be adjustable tocompensate for a skewed satellite orientation.

The ability to quickly and accurately align the centerline axis ofantenna with a satellite is somewhat dependent upon the type of mountingarrangement employed to support the antenna. Prior antenna mountingarrangements typically comprise a mounting bracket that is directlyaffixed to the rear surface of the reflector. The mounting bracket isthen attached to a vertically oriented mast that is buried in the earth,mounted to a tree, or mounted to a portion of the subscriber's residenceor place of business. The mast is installed such that it is plumb (i.e.,relatively perpendicular to the horizon). Thereafter, the installer mustorient the antenna to the proper azimuth and elevation. Theseadjustments are made at the mounting bracket.

One method that has been employed in the past for indicating when theantenna has been positioned at a proper azimuth orientation is the useof a compass that is manually supported by the installer under theantenna's support arm. When using this approach however, the installeroften has difficulty elevating the reflector to the proper elevation sothat the antenna will be properly aligned and then retaining the antennain that position while the appropriate bolts and screws have beentightened. The device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,977,922 purports tosolve that problem by affixing a device to the support arm that includesa compass and an inclinometer. In this device, the support arm can moveslightly relative to the reflector and any such movement or misalignmentcan contribute to pointing error. Furthermore, devices that are affixedto the support arm are not as easily visible to the installer during thepointing process. In addition, there are many different types and shapesof support arms which can require several different adapters to beavailable to the installer. It will also be understood that the use ofintermediate adapters could contribute pointing error if they do notinterface properly with the support arm.

Another method that has been used in the past to align the antenna witha satellite involves the use of a “set top” box that is placed on oradjacent to the television to which the antenna is attached. A cable isconnected between the set top box and the antenna. The installerinitially points the antenna in the general direction of the satellite,then fine-tunes the alignment by using a signal strength meter displayedon the television screen by the set top box. The antenna is adjusteduntil the onscreen meter indicates that signal strength and quality havebeen maximized. In addition to the onscreen display meter, many set topboxes emit a repeating tone. As the quality of the signal improves, thefrequency of the tones increases. Because the antenna is located outsideof the building in which the television is located, such installationmethod typically requires two individuals to properly align the antenna.One installer positions the antenna while the other installer monitorsthe onscreen meter and the emitted tones. One individual can also employthis method, but that person typically must make multiple trips betweenthe antenna and the television until the antenna is properly positioned.Thus, such alignment methods are costly and time consuming.

In an effort to improve upon this shortcoming, some satellite antennashave been provided with a light emitting diode (“LED”) that operatesfrom feedback signals fed to the antenna by the set top box through thelink cable. The LED flashes to inform the installer that the antenna hasbeen properly positioned. It has been noted, however, that the user isoften unable to discern small changes in the flash rate of the LED asantenna is positioned. Thus, such approach may result in antenna beingpositioned in a orientation that results in less than optimum signalquality. Also, this approach only works when the antenna is relativeclose to its correct position. It cannot be effectively used toinitially position the antenna. U.S. Pat. No. 5,903,237 discloses amicroprocessor-operated antenna pointing aid that purports to solve theproblems associated with using an LED indicator to properly orient theantenna.

Such prior antenna mounting devices and methods do not offer arelatively high amount of alignment precision. As additional satellitesare sent into space, the precision at which an antenna is aligned with aparticular satellite becomes more important to ensure that the antennais receiving the proper satellite signal and that the quality of thatsignal has been optimized.

There is a need for an antenna that has an alignment configuration thatcan be successfully employed with alignment devices for providing anindication of the antenna's elevation, azimuth and skew orientations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one form of the present invention, there is providedan antenna that includes an antenna reflector that has a centerline anda front surface and a rear surface. The rear surface defines a referenceplane that is substantially perpendicular to the centerline. Thereference plane may be used in connection with various alignment devicessuch as compasses, levels and the like to orient the antenna in desiredazimuth, elevation and/ or skew orientations.

In another embodiment, the present invention comprises an antennareflector having a centerline and front and rear surfaces and threesockets molded into the rear surface to define a reference plane that isperpendicular to the centerline. The sockets may be employed to attachalignment devices such as compasses and levels to the reflector foralignment purposes. The sockets may be glued or otherwise attached tothe rear surface of the antenna reflector, instead of being moldedthereto, if so desired.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a method foraligning an antenna reflector having a centerline and front and rearsurfaces with a satellite. The method may include establishing areference plane on the antenna that is perpendicular to the centerlineand orienting a compass such that it is perpendicular with respect tothe centerline. The method further includes viewing the compass toascertain the azimuth of the antenna and reorienting the antenna to adesired azimuth position, if necessary. The antenna is retained in thedesired azimuth position. The method may further include orienting alevel such that it is parallel to the centerline and thereafter viewingthe level to ascertain the elevation of the antenna. The antenna may bereoriented to a desired elevation position, if necessary. The antennamay then be retained in the desired elevation position.

It is a feature of the present invention to provide an alignmentconfiguration on an antenna that may be used in connection with avariety of different alignment apparatuses to orient the antenna indesired azimuth, elevation, and/or skew orientations.

Accordingly, the present invention provides solutions to theshortcomings of prior apparatuses and methods for orienting antennas forreceiving satellite signals. Those of ordinary skill in the art willreadily appreciate, however, that these and other details, features andadvantages will become further apparent as the following detaileddescription of the embodiments proceeds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying Figures, there are shown present embodiments of theinvention wherein like reference numerals are employed to designate likeparts and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a graphical representation of an antenna attached to abuilding and aligned to receive a signal from a satellite;

FIG. 1A is a partial view of an alternate antenna mounting memberemployed to support the support arm of an antenna;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an antenna attached to a mounting bracket;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the antenna depicted in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partial view of the rear surface of the antenna depicted inFIGS. 2 and 3 illustrating the attachment portion of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4A is a partial view of the rear surface of another antennaillustrating another attachment portion of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a partial view of the rear surface of another antennaillustrating another attachment arrangement of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the antenna of FIG. 4 takenalong line V—V in FIG. 4;

FIG. 5A is a partial cross-sectional view of the antenna of FIG. 4Ataken along line VA—VA in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5B is a partial cross-sectional view of the antenna of FIG. 4Btaken along line VB—VB in FIG. 4B;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a antenna alignment apparatus thatmay be used with an alignment configuration of the present inventionshowing a portion of the mounting member in cross-section;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the antenna alignment apparatus of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the antenna alignment apparatus of FIGS. 6 and7;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the antenna alignment apparatus of FIGS. 6-8;

FIG. 9A is a schematic drawing of one control circuit arrangement thatmay be employed by the antenna alignment apparatus of FIGS. 6-9; and

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the antenna alignment apparatus ofFIGS. 6-9 attached to the rear surface of an antenna reflector with aportion of the antenna reflector shown in cross-section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings for the purposes of illustratingembodiments of the invention only and not for the purposes of limitingthe same, FIG. 1 illustrates an antenna 20 that is attached to the wallof a residence or other building 10 by a mounting bracket 12. Theantenna 20 is oriented to receive audio and video signals from asatellite 14 in geosynchronous orbit around the earth. The antenna 20includes parabolic reflector 30 and an arm assembly 40 that includes aforwardly extending portion 42 that supports a feed/LNBF assembly 45 forcollecting focused signals from the reflector 30. Such feed/LNBFassemblies are known in the art and, therefore, the manufacture andoperation of feed/LNBF assembly 45 will not be discussed herein. Theantenna 20 has a centerline generally designated as A—A and is connectedto a mounting bracket 12 by means of a rearwardly extending portion 44of the support arm 44. A socket 46 is provided in the rearwardlyextending portion 44 for receiving an antenna mounting mast 14 therein.See FIG. 3. The mounting mast 14 is affixed to a mounting bracket 12that is attached to a wall of the building 10. As can be seen in FIG. 1,in this antenna embodiment, the centerline axis A—A is coaxially alignedwith the centerline of the mounting mast 14. Such arrangement permitsthe antenna 20 to be easily adjusted for satellite skew by rotating theantenna about the mast 14 until the desired skew orientation isachieved.

The antenna 20 is attached to a satellite broadcast receiver (“set topbox”) 60 by coaxial cable 62. The set top box 60 is attached to atelevision monitor 48. Such set top boxes are known in the art andcomprise an integrated receiver decoder for decoding the receivedbroadcast signals from the antenna 20. During operation, the feed/LNBFassembly 45 converts the focused signals from the satellite 14 to anelectrical current that is amplified and down converted in frequency.The amplified and down-converted signals are then conveyed via cable 62to the set top box 60. The set top box 60 tunes the output signal to acarrier signal within a predetermined frequency range. Atuner/demodulator within the set top box 60 decodes the signal carrierinto a digital data stream selected signal. Also a video/audio decoderis provided within the set top box 60 to decode the encrypted videosignal. A conventional user interface on the television screen isemployed to assist the installer of the antenna 20 during the finalalignment and “pointing” of the antenna 20.

In this embodiment, the mounting bracket 12 is attached to the wall ofthe building 10 or is affixed to a freestanding mast (not shown). Themounting bracket 12 has a mast 14 protruding therefrom that is sized tobe received in a socket 46 in the mounting portion of the arm. Asindicated above, the mounting bracket 12 may comprise the apparatusdisclosed in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/751,460,entitled “Mounting Bracket”, the disclosure of which is hereinincorporated by reference. In another alternative mounting arrangement,the rearwardly extending portion of the support arm 44 may have aprotrusion 51 formed thereon or attached thereto that is sized to bereceived and retained within a mounting bracket 12′ that has a socket13′ formed therein. See FIG. 1A. However, other antenna mountingarrangements may be employed.

Antenna 20 must be properly positioned to receive the television signalstransmitted by the satellite 14 to provide optimal image and audibleresponses. This positioning process involves accurately aligning theantenna's centerline axis A—A, with the satellite's output signal.“Elevation”, “azimuth” and “skew” adjustments are commonly required toaccomplish this task. As shown in FIG. 1, elevation refers to the anglebetween the centerline axis A—A of the antenna relative to the horizon(represented by line B—B), generally designated as angle “C”. In theantenna embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the elevation is adjustedby virtue of an elevation adjustment mechanism on the mounting bracket12. In one mounting bracket embodiment disclosed in the above-mentionedpatent application, the elevation is adjusted by loosening two elevationlocking bolts and turning an elevation adjustment screw until thedesired elevation has been achieved. The elevation locking bolts arethen tightened to lock the bracket in position. As shown in FIG. 2,“azimuth” refers to the angle of axis A—A relative to the direction oftrue north in a horizontal plane. That angle is generally designated asangle “D” in FIG. 2. “Skew” refers to the angular orientation of thereflector antenna about the centerline or bore site.

In this embodiment, the reflector 30 is molded from reinforcedfiberglass plastic utilizing conventional molding techniques. However,reflector 30 may be fabricated from a variety of other suitablematerials such as, for example, steel aluminum, etc. The reflector 30depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3 has a rear portion or surface 32 and a frontsurface 34. The support arm assembly is affixed to the lower perimeterof the reflector 30 by appropriate fasteners such as screws or like (notshown). As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the rear surface 32 is providedwith a planar attachment portion 80 that is either integrally formed inthe rear surface 32 of the reflector 30 (FIGS. 4 and 5) or is otherwiseattached thereto by adhesive, welding, screws, etc. (FIGS. 4A and 5A).The planar attachment portion 80 serves to define a plane, representedby line E—E, that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to thecenterline axis A—A of the reflector (i.e., angle “F” is approximately90 degrees). As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in theart, the plane E—E permits direct measurement of elevation and azimuthwith simple devices. In this particular embodiment, the planarattachment portion 80 has a first hole 82, a second hole 84 and a thirdhole 90 therein. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the centers of holes 82 and84 are aligned on axis G—G. The purpose of the holes (82, 84, 90) willbe discussed in further detail below. In yet another embodiment, threelugs or sockets (180, 184, 188) may be integrally molded or otherwiseattached to the rear surface 32 of the reflector 30 by, for example,appropriate adhesive, screws, welding, etc. The three sockets (180, 184,188) also serve to define a plane E—E that is perpendicular to theantenna's centerline A—A. the first socket 180 has a first hole 182therein. The second socket 184 has a second hole 186 therein. The thirdsocket 188 has a hole 190 therein. As will become apparent as thepresent Detailed Description proceeds, the holes (182, 186, 190) servethe same function as the holes (82, 86, 90), respectively. The readerwill appreciate that if lugs are employed, the lugs would be similar tothe sockets shown in FIGS. 4B and 5B, but would otherwise serve todefine a plane E—E that is perpendicular to the centerline A—A of thereflector 30. The lugs could be integrally molded into the rear surface32 of the reflector 30 or otherwise attached thereto by appropriateadhesive, welding, screws, etc.

FIGS. 6-10 depict an antenna pointing apparatus 100 which can be used inconnection with the present invention includes a mounting base 110 andan instrument housing 130 that protrudes from the mounting base 110.Those of ordinary skill in the art will, of course appreciate that otheralignment devices could be used in connection with the presentinvention. The mounting base 110 may be fabricated from plastic or othersuitable materials. Housing 130 may be fabricated from plastic or othersuitable materials and may have one or more removable panels or portionsto permit access to the components housed therein. Housing 130 supportsa conventional digital compass 140 that has a digital display 142.Digital compasses are known in the art and, therefore, the manufactureand operation thereof will not be discussed in great detail herein. Forexample, the digital compass used in a conventional surveying apparatus,including those apparatuses manufactured by Bosch could be successfullyemployed. As will be discussed in further detail below, when the antennapointing apparatus 100 is affixed to the antenna reflector 30, thedigital compass 140 will display on its display 142 the azimuth settingfor the centerline axis A—A of the reflector 30.

Also in this embodiment, a first digital level 150 which has a digitaldisplay 152 is supported in the housing member 130 as shown in FIGS. 9and 10. Such digital levels are known in the art and, therefore, theirconstruction and operation will not be discussed in great detail herein.For example, a digital level of the type commonly employed in surveyingapparatuses, including those manufactured by Bosch may be successfullyemployed. However, other digital levels may be used. Referring back toFIG. 3, the reflector 30 has a major axis A″—A″ that extends along thelongest dimension of the reflector 30. Major axis A″—A″ is perpendicularto the centerline A—A. Similarly, the reflector 30 has a minor axisB″—B″ that is perpendicular to major axis A″—A″ and is alsoperpendicular to the centerline A—A. In this embodiment, the centerlineof the first digital level 150 is oriented such that it is received in aplane defined by the centerline axis A—A and the minor axis B″—B″ whenthe device 100 is attached to the rear of the reflector 30.

This embodiment of the antenna-pointing device 100 also includes a skewmeter generally designated as 160. The skew meter 160 includes a seconddigital level 162 of the type described above that is mountedperpendicular to the first digital level 152 (i.e., its centerline linewill be within the plane defined by the centerline axis A—A and thereflector's major axis A″—A″ when the device 100 is attached to thereflector 30). See FIG. 9A. The output of the first digital level 150,which is designated as 165 (defining angle α) and the output of thesecond digital level 162, which is designated as 166 (defining angle β),are sent to a conventional microprocessor 167. A calibration input,generally designated as 168 and defining distance “d” between areference point on the device 100 and the centerline A—A of thereflector 30 is also sent to the microprocessor 167. Those of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that the calibration input permits theinstaller to calibrate the device 100 for each individual reflector 30.Utilizing standard trigonometry calculations, the microprocessor 167calculates the skew angle θ of the reflector 30 and displays it on adigital skew meter display 169.

The mounting base 100 includes an attachment surface 112 that has afirst pin 114 attached thereto that is sized to be inserted into thehole 82 in the first socket 80. A second pin 116 is attached to themounting base 110 such that it is received in the second hole 86 in thesecond socket 84 when the first pin 114 is received in the hole 82 inthe first socket 80. The centerlines of the first and second pins arelocated on a common axis G′—G′. See FIG. 8. A third movable pin assembly120 is also provided in the mounting base 110 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8.In this embodiment, the movable pin assembly 120 includes a pin 122 thatis attached to a movable support member 124 that is slidably receivedwithin a hole 126 provided in the mounting base 110. The third pin 122protrudes through a slot 128 in the mounting base 110 as shown in FIGS.6 and 8. A biasing member in the form of a compression spring 129 isprovided in the hole 126 and serves to bias the third pin 122 in thedirection represented by arrow “I”. The centerline H′—H′ of the thirdmovable pin 122 is perpendicular to and intersects axis G′13 G′ at point92′ as shown in FIG. 8.

To attach the mounting base 110 to the antenna reflector 30, theinstaller inserts the third pin 122 into the third hole 90 and applies abiasing force to the pointing device 100 until the first pin 114 may beinserted into the first hole 82 in first socket 80 and the second pin116 may be inserted into the second hole 86 in the second socket 84.When pins (114, 116, and 122) have been inserted into their respectiveholes (82, 86, 90), the spring 129 applies a biasing force against thesupport member 110 that, in turn, biases the third pin 122 intofrictional engagement with the inner surface of the third hole 90 in thethird socket 88 to removably affix the pointing device 100 to theantenna reflector 30. When affixed to the antenna reflector 30 in thatmanner (see FIG. 10), the distance “d” between the point 92′ (see FIG.8) and the point 92 (see FIG. 4B) through which centerline axis A—A ofthe antenna reflector 30 extends is input into the microprocessor 167 bya keypad or other standard input device to enable the microprocessor 167to calculate and display the skew angle θ on the digital skew meterdisplay 169. See FIG. 9A. In this embodiment, the digital compass 142and the first and second digital levels 152 and 162, respectively arepowered by a battery (not shown) supported in the housing 130. Thebattery may be rechargeable or comprise a replaceable battery orbatteries. The housing 130 is provided with a battery access door 131 topermit the installation and replacement of batteries. However, it isconceivable that other compasses and digital levels that requirealternating current may be employed.

The antenna-pointing device 100 may be employed to align the antenna'scenterline axis A—A with the satellite as follows. After theantenna-mounting bracket 12 has been installed, the antenna 20 isaffixed to the mounting bracket 12. In this embodiment, the mast portion14 of the mounting bracket 12 is inserted into the socket 46 in therear-mounting portion 44 of the arm assembly 40. The mast 14 is retainedwithin the socket 46 by means of one or more setscrews 47 that extendthrough the rear-mounting portion 44 to engage the mast 14. See FIGS. 2and 3. After the antenna has been preliminarily mounted to the mountingbracket 12, the antenna-pointing device 100 is snapped onto the rear ofthe antenna reflector 30 in the above-described manner. Because theantenna-pointing device 100 is affixed to the rear of the reflector 30,the installer's hands are free to adjust the antenna until it has beenset at a desired azimuth, elevation and skew.

Upon attachment to the reflector, the azimuth display 142 will displaythe azimuth reading for the antenna's initial position. The installerthen adjusts the antenna's position until the digital compass displaysthe desired azimuth reading. The antenna 20 is then locked in thatposition. The installer then observes the elevation reading displayed onthe elevation display 152 by the first digital level 150 and adjusts theposition of the antenna until the elevation meter displays the desiredreading and the antenna 20 is locked in that position. The setscrews 47are loosened to permit the antenna to be rotated about the mast 14. Theuser then observes the skew meter display 169 and rotates the rearwardlyextending portion 44 of the support arm 40 about the mast 14 until theskew meter 169 display displays the desired setting. Thereafter, thesetscrews 47 are screwed into contact the support mast 14 to retain theantenna 20 in that position. The skilled artisan will appreciate that,because the centerline axis A—A is coaxially aligned with the centerlineof the socket 46 in the support arm 40, the antenna 20 can be moved tothe desired skew orientation by simply rotating the antenna reflector 30about the mast 14. It will be further understood that the antennapointing device 100 may also be used with other antennas that aremounted utilizing conventional mounting brackets and supportapparatuses. The order of antenna adjustments described herein isillustrative only. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciatethat the installer could, for example, set the skew first or theelevation first when orienting the antenna 20.

If the installer wishes to employ a set top box 60 to further optimizethe antenna's alignment with the satellite 14, a coaxial cable 62 isattached to the feed/LNBF assembly 45 and the set top box 60. Theantenna's position is further adjusted while monitoring the graphicaldisplay on the television 48 and the audio signal emitted by the set topbox.

Thus, from the foregoing discussion, it is apparent that the presentinvention solves many of the problems encountered by prior antennaalignment devices and methods. In particular, present invention providesa plane at the rear of an antenna reflector that is perpendicular to theantenna's boresite such that simple devices may be used to accuratelyorient the reflector in a desired elevation azimuth and skeworientation. It will be appreciated that other compasses and levelsother than the alignment device disclosed herein may be readily employedto orient an antenna in a desired orientation. The present inventionenables one installer to quickly and efficiently install and align anantenna with a satellite. Those of ordinary skill in the art will, ofcourse, appreciate that various changes in the details, materials andarrangement of parts which have been herein described and illustrated inorder to explain the nature of the invention may be made by the skilledartisan within the principle and scope of the invention as expressed inthe appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for aligning an antenna reflector havinga centerline and front and rear surfaces with a satellite, said methodcomprising: attaching a reflector support member to a portion of theantenna reflector; supporting the reflector support member to orient theantenna reflector in a first orientation; establishing a reference planeon the antenna reflector apart from the portion of the antenna reflectorto which the reflector support member is attached, said reference planebeing perpendicular to the centerline of the reflector; and orienting acompass such that it is perpendicular with respect to the centerline. 2.The method of claim 1 wherein the antenna reflector has a perimeter andwherein said attaching a reflector support member to a portion of theantenna reflector comprises attaching a support arm to the perimeter ofthe antenna reflector.
 3. The method of claim 2 further comprisingattaching the support arm to a mounting bracket.
 4. The method of claim3 wherein said attaching the support arm to a mounting bracketcomprises: coupling a mast to one end of the support arm; and couplingthe mast to the mounting bracket.
 5. The method of claim 3 wherein thesupport arm has a protrusion extending therefrom and wherein saidattaching the support arm to the mounting bracket comprises attachingthe protrusion to the mounting bracket.
 6. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising: moving the antenna reflector support member to a desiredazimuth position wherein a desired azimuth angle is displayed on thecompass; and retaining the antenna reflector in the desired azimuthposition.
 7. A method for aligning an antenna reflector having acenterline and front and rear surfaces with a satellite, said methodcomprising: attaching a reflector support member to a portion of theantenna reflector; establishing a reference plane on the antennareflector apart from the portion of the antenna reflector to which thereflector support member is attached, said reference plane beingperpendicular to the centerline of the reflector; and orienting a levelsuch that it is parallel with respect to the centerline.
 8. The methodof claim 7 wherein the antenna reflector has a perimeter and whereinsaid attaching a reflector support member to a portion of the antennareflector comprises attaching a support arm to the perimeter of theantenna reflector.
 9. The method of claim 8 further comprising attachingthe support arm to a mounting bracket.
 10. The method of claim 9 whereinsaid attaching the support arm to a mounting bracket comprises: couplinga mast to one end of the support arm; and coupling the mast to themounting bracket.
 11. The method of claim 9 wherein the support arm hasa protrusion extending therefrom and wherein said attaching the supportarm to the mounting bracket comprises attaching the protrusion to themounting bracket.
 12. The method of claim 7 further comprising: movingthe antenna reflector support member to a desired elevation positionwherein a desired elevation reading is displayed on the level; andretaining the antenna reflector in the desired elevation position.
 13. Amethod for aligning an antenna reflector having a centerline and frontand rear surfaces with a satellite, said method comprising: attaching areflector support member to a portion of the antenna reflector;establishing a reference plane on the antenna apart from the portion ofthe antenna reflector to which the reflector support member is attached,said reference plane being perpendicular to the centerline; orienting acompass such that it is perpendicular with respect to the centerline;viewing the compass to ascertain the azimuth of the antenna; reorientingthe antenna reflector to a desired azimuth position; retaining theantenna reflector in the desired azimuth position; orienting a levelsuch that it is parallel with respect to the centerline; viewing thelevel to ascertain the elevation of the antenna reflector; reorientingthe antenna reflector to a desired elevation position; and retaining theantenna reflector in the desired elevation position.
 14. The method ofclaim 13 wherein the antenna reflector has a perimeter and wherein saidattaching a reflector support member to a portion of the antennareflector comprises attaching a support arm to the perimeter of theantenna reflector.
 15. The method of claim 14 further comprisingattaching the support arm to a mounting bracket.
 16. The method of claim15 wherein said attaching the support arm to a mounting bracketcomprises: coupling a mast to one end of the support arm; and couplingthe mast to the mounting bracket.
 17. The method of claim 14 wherein thesupport arm has a protrusion extending therefrom and wherein saidattaching the support arm to the mounting bracket comprises attachingthe protrusion to the mounting bracket.
 18. An antenna, comprising: anantenna reflector having a centerline and a front surface, a rearsurface and a perimeter, wherein a portion of said rear surface definesa reference plane that is substantially perpendicular to saidcenterline; and a support arm assembly attached to a portion of saidreflector apart from said portion of said rear surface defining saidreference plane, said support arm assembly having a forwardly extendingportion that extends beyond said front surface of said antenna reflectorand a rearwardly extending portion that extends beyond said rear surfaceof said antenna reflector for supporting said antenna reflector in adesired orientation.
 19. The antenna of claim 18 wherein said forwardlyextending portion of said support arm supports a feed/LNBF assembly andwherein said rearwardly extending portion is coupled to a mounting mast.20. The antenna of claim 19 wherein said rearwardly extending portionhas a socket therein for receiving a portion of said mounting masttherein.
 21. The antenna of claim 20 wherein another portion of saidmounting mast is received in an adjustable mounting bracket.
 22. Theantenna of claim 18 wherein said forwardly extending portion of saidsupport arm supports a feed/LNBF assembly and wherein said rearwardlyextending portion has a protrusion formed thereon that is sized to besupported in a mounting bracket.
 23. The antenna of claim 22 whereinsaid protrusion is received within a socket in said mounting bracket.24. An antenna comprising: an antenna reflector having a centerline, afront surface, a rear surface and a perimeter; a reflector support armassembly attached to a portion of said perimeter of said antennareflector and having a forwardly extending portion that extends beyondsaid front surface of said antenna reflector and a rearwardly extendingportion that extends beyond said rear surface of said antenna reflectorfor supporting said antenna reflector in a desired orientation; andthree sockets molded to said rear surface of said antenna reflectorapart from said portion of said perimeter of said antenna reflector towhich said reflector support arm assembly is attached, said socketsdefining a reference plane that is perpendicular to said centerline. 25.The antenna of claim 24 wherein said forwardly extending portion of saidsupport arm supports a feed/LNBF assembly and wherein said rearwardlyextending portion is coupled to a mounting mast.
 26. The antenna ofclaim 25 wherein said rearwardly extending portion has a socket thereinfor receiving a portion of said mounting mast therein.
 27. The antennaof claim 25 wherein another portion of said mounting mast is received inan adjustable mounting bracket.
 28. The antenna of claim 24 wherein saidforwardly extending portion of said support arm supports a feed/LNBFassembly and wherein said rearwardly extending portion has a protrusionformed thereon that is sized to be supported in a mounting bracket. 29.The antenna of claim 28 wherein said protrusion is received within asocket in said mounting bracket.
 30. An antenna comprising: an antennareflector having a centerline, a front surface, a rear surface, and aperimeter; a reflector support arm assembly attached to a portion ofsaid perimeter of said antenna reflector, said support arm assemblyhaving a forwardly extending portion that extends beyond said frontsurface of said antenna reflector and a rearwardly extending portionthat extends beyond said rear surface of said antenna reflector forsupporting said antenna reflector in a desired orientation; and threesockets glued to said rear surface of said antenna reflector apart fromsaid portion of said reflector to which said reflector support member isattached, said sockets defining a reference plane that is perpendicularto said centerline.
 31. The antenna of claim 30 wherein said forwardlyextending portion of said support arm supports a feed/LNBF assembly andwherein said rearwardly extending portion is coupled to a mounting mast.32. The antenna of claim 31 wherein said rearwardly extending portionhas a socket therein for receiving a portion of said mounting masttherein.
 33. The antenna of claim 31 wherein another portion of saidmounting mast is received in an adjustable mounting bracket.
 34. Theantenna of claim 30 wherein said forwardly extending portion of saidsupport arm supports a feed/LNBF assembly and wherein said rearwardlyextending portion has a protrusion formed thereon that is sized to besupported in a mounting bracket.
 35. The antenna of claim 34 whereinsaid protrusion is received within a socket in said mounting bracket.36. An antenna comprising: an antenna reflector having a centerline, afront surface, a rear surface, and a perimeter; a reflector support armassembly attached to a portion of said perimeter of said antennareflector and having a forwardly extending portion that extends beyondsaid front surface of said antenna reflector and a rearwardly extendingportion that extends beyond said rear surface of said antenna reflectorfor supporting said antenna reflector in a desired orientation; and aplanar attachment portion attached to said rear surface apart from saidportion of said perimeter of said antenna reflector to which saidreflector support arm assembly is attached and defining a plane that isperpendicular to the centerline.
 37. The antenna of claim 36 whereinsaid forwardly extending portion of said support arm supports afeed/LNBF assembly and wherein said rearwardly extending portion iscoupled to a mounting mast.
 38. The antenna of claim 37 wherein saidrearwardly extending portion has a socket therein for receiving aportion of said mounting mast therein.
 39. The antenna of claim 37wherein another portion of said mounting mast is received in anadjustable mounting bracket.
 40. The antenna of claim 36 wherein saidforwardly extending portion of said support arm supports a feed/LNBFassembly and wherein said rearwardly extending portion has a protrusionformed thereon that is sized to be supported in a mounting bracket. 41.The antenna of claim 40 wherein said protrusion is received within asocket in said mounting bracket.
 42. An antenna, comprising: an antennareflector having a centerline and a front surface and a rear surface,said rear surface having at least three lugs integrally attached theretoand defining a reference plane that is substantially perpendicular tosaid centerline and wherein at least two of said lugs each have a socketformed therein, said at least two sockets being aligned on a common axissuch that said centerline of said antenna reflector perpendicularlyintersects said common axis; and a reflector support member attached toanother portion of said reflector apart from said lugs and supportingsaid antenna reflector in a desired orientation.
 43. An antennacomprising: an antenna reflector having a centerline and front and rearsurfaces; a reflector support member attached to a portion of saidantenna reflector for supporting said reflector in a desiredorientation; and three sockets molded to said rear surface of saidantenna reflector apart from said portion of said antenna reflector towhich said reflector support member is attached, said sockets defining areference plane that is perpendicular to said centerline, and wherein atleast two of said sockets are aligned on a common axis such that saidcenterline of said antenna reflector perpendicularly intersects saidcommon axis.
 44. An antenna comprising: an antenna reflector having acenterline and front and rear surfaces; a reflector support memberattached to a portion of said antenna reflector in a desiredorientation; and three sockets glued to said rear surface of saidantenna reflector apart from said portion of said reflector to whichsaid reflector support member is attached, said sockets defining areference plane that is perpendicular to said centerline, and wherein atleast two of said sockets are aligned on a common axis such that saidcenterline of said antenna reflector perpendicularly intersects saidcommon axis.